1.
full-time househusband; stay-at-home dad
A man who does not work outside the home and instead takes care of household duties and childcare full-time.
彼は専業主夫をしている。
He is a stay-at-home dad.
妻の転勤をきっかけに専業主夫になった。
I became a stay-at-home dad after my wife's job transfer.
最近は専業主夫を選ぶ男性も増えてきたが、まだ社会的な理解が十分とは言えない。
More men are choosing to be stay-at-home dads recently, but social understanding is still not enough.
Composed of 専業 (full-time, exclusive occupation) + 主夫 (househusband). A relatively modern term that mirrors 専業主婦 (full-time housewife). The kanji 夫 (husband) distinguishes it from 婦 (wife). Both words are read せんぎょうしゅふ, so the kanji is needed to tell them apart.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 専業主夫になる: to become a stay-at-home dad
- 専業主夫をしている: to be a stay-at-home dad
- 専業主夫の生活: life as a househusband
CULTURAL NOTE:
While still uncommon in Japan, the number of 専業主夫 has been gradually increasing. The concept has gained visibility through TV dramas and media coverage, though men in this role may still face social stigma.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 専業主婦: full-time housewife — the female equivalent
- 主夫: househusband — without 専業, may include part-time workers
- イクメン: active father, hands-on dad — a father who is involved in childcare but may still work